Page 137 of Consort of the Dragon King

Iwo’s Tavern was right where the man said it would be. Maseo took a deep breath before he entered. The space was dark and intimate, with a warm glow that set Maseo at ease despite his nerves.

A barmaid walked up to Maseo. She had a sweet face and didn’t seem the least bit surprised to see a half-wolf shifter in a city that was full of dog shifters. “Welcome to Iwo’s! I’m Kinga. Would you prefer to sit at the bar or at a table?”

“I’m actually looking for someone. A guy named Yaro.”

Her expression turned sympathetic. “Here’s a piece of friendly advice. Stay away from him unless you want to face the wrath of his wife. He’s all talk, and she’ll make your life hell. You won’t get what you want from him.”

“I appreciate that, but I’m only here to ask him about a mutual friend’s whereabouts. Trust me, I know Tiah isn’t someone I want to mess with.” Maseo had witnessed enough of their antics to know he wanted to stay as far away from her possessive streak as he could.

Kinga laughed. “Okay, then I’ll quit worrying about Yaro leading you on and breaking your heart. Come on, I’ll take you to him.” She gestured for him to follow, so he fell into step beside her. They walked through the tavern, heading to the back, where Yaro sat alone at a table.

He perked up when he saw them coming over to him. “Oh, aren’t you sweet, Kinga? You brought me a new playmate.”

She wagged her finger at him. “Behave yourself, Yaro. The last thing I need is Tiah tearing up the tavern because she’s trying to get revenge on you for hitting on this nice man.”

He held up his hands in surrender. “I promise I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”

“You better.” Kinga squeezed Maseo’s shoulder. “If you need anything or he gets carried away, let me know. I’ll take care of him for you. Do you want me to bring you an ale?”

“Thank you.” Maseo was touched by her show of solidarity. “An ale would be great.”

Once she walked away, Yaro gestured at the seat across from him. “Welcome, Maseo.” He kicked the chair out in invitation. “Join me.”

Maseo sat down, bracing himself for some kind of fallout. “You don’t seem unhappy to see me.”

“How could I ever be unhappy to see a handsome man like you sitting across from me?” Yaro gave him a flirty wink.

Maseo could only blink in surprise. He hadn’t expected such a warm reception. “You also don’t seem surprised I’m here.”

“That’s because I’m not.” Yaro took a sip of his ale, never taking his eyes off Maseo. “Auslin told me you might be coming.”

Maseo’s jaw dropped in shock. “Hedid?”

“He asked us to keep an eye out for you.” Yaro leaned forward with interest. “It was quite interesting, given your history with him.”

Maseo’s cheek burned with shame at the reminder of his awful past with Kio that had hurt Auslin so much.

“He and his new mate seemed deeply concerned about your welfare.” Yaro could have knocked Maseo over with a feather in his shock. “Auslin worried something bad might have happened to you.”

“Did he say why?” Maseo asked, still having trouble wrapping his mind around Auslin being worried about him.

“No, but he asked me to tell you he and his mate were heading to Sybir in Odatam.”

Maseo couldn’t figure out why Auslin would do such a strange thing. “How long ago was this?”

“A few days ago. You just missed him.”

The news disappointed Maseo. But if Auslin and Kitsuki stayed in Sybir for a couple of days, Maseo might catch up with them. Then, he could protect them by sharing his father’s nefarious plans.

“I got the distinct impression he wanted you to follow them there.” Yaro studied Maseo with curiosity. “Auslin said he’d feel better if he could meet you and see for himself you’re okay. Myquestion is, how did he go from crying because you were around to being so concerned about you being safe?”

Before Maseo could answer, Kinga returned with an ale. She set it in front of him. “Is he giving you any trouble?”

“Hey, I’m on my best behavior, thank you very much,” Yaro protested.

“Your best behavior doesn’t mean shit with someone as badly behaved as you,” she shot back. Their interaction reminded Maseo of how Tiah was with Yaro.

“Wow, it’s almost like you know me or something,” Yaro said sarcastically before they both laughed. “Relax, Kinga. I know he’s off-limits. Auslin cares about him too much.”

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